With almost 93 house fires occurring daily in the UK, that averages out to one going up in flames every 15 minutes. This number is based on the estimated 34,000 house fires occurring per year, as reported by UK research from loss assessors Morgan Clark Legal.
Not only do house fires pose a significant threat to the humans living there, they are often potentially fatal for the pets residing within the affected homes.
In the run-up to Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15 , Dr Berkcan Yanar, a licensed veterinarian and reviewer at PawsRank, has spoken to Bubblegum Search to shed light on unexpected dangers every UK pet owner should be aware of in case of a house fire. The initiative aims to boost awareness and encourage the adoption of safer fire emergency protocols among pet owners across the nation.
Dr Yanar highlights a critical hazard: pets left loose and roaming freely at home without an escape strategy or rescue plan.
“Loose pets can hide or panic during fires, making rescue very difficult. Crating or confining pets near an exit gives firefighters a better chance to find and save them quickly.”
For pets that are normally crated, positioning the crate or a familiar carrier close to the front door can significantly enhance the likelihood of a swift rescue. Cats, notorious for being elusive during emergencies, should have a carrier within easy reach, and it’s beneficial for them to grow accustomed to it beforehand.
Whether your pet is crated or kept in a secure room near the front entrance – preferably one with few obstructions – such arrangements make it easier for firefighters to locate and evacuate your pet. Additionally, it’s wise to keep extra leads or harnesses by the door for immediate use.
It’s crucial to be aware that pets can unintentionally cause fires, as Dr Yanar has observed several incidents firsthand where dogs have turned on cookers, cats have toppled candles, and small animals have gnawed through electric cables.
“Hobs are a leading cause of pet-related fires,” Dr Yanar cautions. “Using hob covers or removing knobs before leaving can prevent accidents. Space heaters and damaged wiring also pose risks, especially for smaller pets like puppies, rabbits, and ferrets.”
Here are some expert tips for emergency preparedness when it comes to pets
